(NYASATIMES) Tembo calls for universal fertiliser subsidy

COMMENT - FSP worked extremely well under President Bingu wa Mutharika. The only ones who object to the subsidy of Malawian farmers are the World Bank and IMF. As usual, they reject programmes that have been proven to work, and saved everyone $58 million ($62 million for the FSP instead of $120 million going to maize imports), because they don't fit their free trade dogma. Supposedly, because they don't object to the same subsidies time millions, when they are given go US and EU agribusinesses.

Tembo calls for universal fertiliser subsidy
By Charles Kufa, Nyasa Times
July 31, 2012

Malawi Congress Party (MCP) president and Leader of Opposition in Parliament, John Tembo, has resounded his call for a universal fertilizer subsidy, saying it could be the possible solution for the country‘s agriculture production.

Speaking at a public meeting he held in Dedza North West constituency, the veteran politician said it does not make sense “for few people” benefitting from one bag of fertiliser and yet the rest are buying the same commodity at K12, 000.

He said more Malawians who would want to contribute to the country’s agriculture production need more than a bag of fertiliser.

Tembo also said law enforcing agents should deal with anybody who involved in corruption for the provision of fertiliser subsidy and distribution “no matter how high the person.”

Tembo: Universal fertiliser subsidy

Politics

On political front, Tembo said he was committed to have Malawi with a constructive opposition and not destructive.

Tembo said he will continue to give advice to the Head of State and that he will not necessarily oppose for the sake of it.

“We wish to contribute to the development of Malawi,” he said.

Tembo said he was confident the 2014 general elections will be credible, free and fair, said President Mrs Joyce Banda has refused to maintain the “rigging machine” that former ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) were using in elections.

Tembo said MCP will hold a national convention to select a presidential candidate but did not disclose the dates.

He said MCP is the only party today which has roots and that he will strive to keep the party strong.

Tembo said anybody who want MCP to be weak or disband are “wasting their time.”